Original subtitles

[gentle music playing]

[music continues]

[Kemal] Hello.

Can I have two tickets, please?

[man] Of course.

people chattering softly]

-[film music playing] -[gentle music continues]

[Kemal laughs quietly]

[whispering] My lawyer got the last of the paperwork. The divorce is official.

[emotional music swelling]

THE MUSEUM OF INNOCENCE

[old Kemal] Two days later, I took my mom to Çukurcuma to ask for Füsun's hand.

You know, I always wondered about this neighborhood, and it's very nice.

Look at that hill up there!

[old Kemal] My mother talked nonstop,

as she always does when she's nervous.

[child] I wanna see the engine!

[indistinct chatter]

[children clamoring indistinctly]

[child 1] Whoa, look at those rims!

[child 2] It has a mirror too.

[foreboding music playing]

[child] I'll be right back.

They're here. Mom, they're here.

[quick footsteps receding]

[exhales]

[Çetin] Here you are, ma'am.

Thank you very much, Çetin.

[Nesibe] Welcome, Sister Vecihe.

[Füsun] Welcome.

[emotional music playing]

[both women sobbing quietly]

[laughing]

[crying] I've missed you so much.

[Nesibe] So have I.

[both laughing and crying]

[Vecihe] I wish we'd brought Turkish delight too.

[Nesibe] That's not what I meant!

[both moms laughing]

-[Füsun] Here. -Thank you, sweetheart.

[Füsun] I hope you like it.

[Vecihe] Somehow Füsun looks like you, Nesibe.

[Nesibe] Ahh.

She's got that clever smile, and she's very beautiful.

No, no. Please, I'm really not that clever.

[all laughing]

I think this younger generation is smarter than all of us.

Actually, your father used to say that, God rest his soul.

Mümtaz always said boys were smarter than us,

although I'm not sure that was actually true. Sorry.

[women laughing]

I don't know about the boys, but the girls are, without a doubt.

-[Nesibe laughs] -I agree.

-[laughs softly] -[bird chirps]

Mm.

[bird twitters]

[exhales]

[bird chirps]

I'm so sorry, he was a good man.

God rest his soul, Tarık really loved Kemal.

He'd say, "My dear, wait a moment longer,

perhaps our Kemal will come home for dinner tonight."

[quiet, tense music playing]

[shaky laugh]

-[teacup clinks] -[sniffs]

Yes, Kemal always knew what he wanted.

Füsun always did as well.

Clearly.

And these two have already decided what they want to do now.

What a nice teacup, sister.

[old Kemal] That was as close as my mother got to asking Nesibe for Füsun's hand.

[bird chirping]

[child] Wait for me!

-[children clamoring] -[women laughing]

Your mother worked on that dress all night so it would be ready for me.

Ah, well, I couldn't sleep a wink.

Vecihe's pleated dress was so renowned,

a woman from Nişantaşı asked me to make the exact same dress for her.

[old Kemal] Aunt Nesibe had gone from the formal "Sister Vecihe" to "Vecihe".

…same fabric from France and simply laid it right in front of you.

Sure she had the fabric, but she couldn't make me sew.

[both laughing]

[bird twittering]

[laughing quietly]

[bird twittering]

Kemal, could you not fuss with that bird during dinner, please? Ugh.

You three will have plenty of time with each other.

[Füsun laughs]

Ah! No, please wash your hands or I will not let you sit at this table.

As you wish, Mother.

Darling, you can use the kitchen, I'll go upstairs.

[expectant music playing]

[music intensifies]

[music stops]

[sighs]

You didn't ask her mom's blessing.

How often did you go to their place over the years?

I don't know.

Well, something your aunt said got to me. Honestly.

You had so few dinners with me recently.

It broke my heart a little. You know?

Anyway, don't worry. I don't really mind.

I mean, I just couldn't ask for her mother's blessings

as if she were a young girl.

She's been married and divorced.

She knows exactly what she's doing.

Who needs to go through phony pomp and needless circumstance?

And no need to do an engagement for you.

Why not?

Isn't it obvious?

Get married and get it over with, so folks will stop gossiping.

And don't go to Europe either. We have everything.

The stores in Nişantaşı have everything you need.

Why bother going to Paris?

Although you're right, Kemal.

[laughs]

She's gorgeous.

[laughs] And very smart.

A good choice.

Mm… But…

she does…

look like she's been through a lot as well.

Be careful, there's something inside her.

Envy? Anger?

Resentment?

Don't let that poison ruin your lives.

[old Kemal] It was quite the opposite.

Füsun and my bond grew stronger,

and with it, our attachment to life, to those around us, to everything.

-[Füsun] Are we really going? -We are.

[old Kemal] We decided to skip the engagement.

To avoid gossip and the risk of tension in the family,

we'd get married right after returning from Europe.

[Füsun] What route should we take, Kemal?

[cheerful music playing in background]

Let's stay in Edirne the first night.

Mm-hmm.

Then Yugoslavia, through Austria, and then we're there!

Hello, Paris.

[laughs]

AUSTRIA

[Füsun] Vienna is so beautiful too.

[gloomy music playing]

What's wrong? Sweetheart?

I don't know.

[Kemal] That's right. Ms. Füsun, my aunt and Mr. Çetin

are all getting their first passports.

The documents you need are all right there for you.

We wanted to spare them the hassle of coming down here

and waiting in line, you understand?

We'll take care of it.

They'll still have to come sign for their passports, of course.

Of course. When we get there.

All right.

[people chattering and murmuring]

[man] Let us through.

[baby crying]

[baby continues crying]

[Nesibe] The baby can't breathe.

The poor thing. It's much too hot.

And why does a baby need a passport anyway?

People are leaving, but the line's not moving.

[baby wailing]

[man] Sign here and here, if you don't mind.

[Nesibe] Go on, honey.

[phone ringing]

There.

[Nesibe] Here.

-]man] Here you are, Mrs. Nesibe. -[Nesibe] Oh, thank you. [laughs]

Here you go.

[man] Next.

ID card?

They didn't give me my passport.

You were referred to the Sansaryan Han in Sirkeci for another document.

-There they'll give you your passport. -What?

I waited hours to sign that piece of paper.

When we could've just gone over there, Kemal?

-Füsun-- -[man] Next.

What's wrong with her?

Füsun, please wait.

I changed my mind.

Pardon me. Excuse me.

-Füsun. -I don't want to go to Europe anymore.

What's wrong? What happened?

You all go. Get your passports. I'm not doing this.

My love. Come on, hang in there, we're almost done, darling.

This passport thing is just like the license.

They'll just make me suffer.

Just one more signature and you'll get your passport and we can go.

[man speaking German]

[interpreter] Miss Füsun, why are you going to Europe?

Um… My fiancé and I thought we'd plan a vacation before our wedding.

[speaking German]

[speaking German]

Which places will you visit in our country?

Vienna. We think it's beautiful.

[speaking German]

[man] Mm.

[speaking German]

You are divorced, aren't you?

-That's right. -[interpreter speaks German]

[man speaking German]

[interpreter] You recently got divorced?

Mm… Uh, yes, I did.

[interpreter speaks German]

[man speaking German]

[interpreter] Why did you get divorced?

[laughs]

Um… We… couldn't… We tried and couldn't make it work.

[interpreter speaking German]

[man speaking German]

[interpreter] If you're divorced, how do you make a living?

[uneasy music playing]

Ms. Füsun if you're unemployed, how do you manage to get by?

What business is it of yours?

[man in German]

[interpreter] Please answer the question.

Ms. Füsun.

Füsun?

Füsun! What happened?

-Did they give you the visa? -He asked me about my whole life.

He asked me why I got divorced,

and how I make a living if I'm unemployed and divorced.

I don't want it.

-I'm not going. I don't want their visa. -I'll find another way.

-We'll go through Italy. All right? -Kemal. Kemal! Kemal!

Listen to me. I don't want to go to Europe anymore.

I can't speak any other languages.

I'm ashamed.

[Füsun sighs]

[somber music playing]

Darling.

We'll still get to see the world.

There are different kinds of people in other parts of the world.

We can walk down any street holding hands.

So I can't be your wife until I've been to Europe, is that it?

Füsun.

I'm not marrying you, and that's the way it's gonna be.

Don't bother trying to convince me.

-Füsun, I promise after we come back-- -Don't pressure me.

I'll only dig in my heels more.

[old Kemal] When I recall how I ignored her,

I feel the unbearable burn of remorse.

I also remember how, at the time,

I had been constantly dreaming about making love to Füsun

in European hotels along our journey.

-[restless music playing] -[thunder crashing]

[Kemal] Here, darling.

-[calm music playing in background] -[distant city street noises]

IDENTITY AND DESCRIPTION

Your visa is good to go.

[laughs]

[Füsun] A visa for Yugoslavia…

Austria…

[laughs]

France?

[laughs]

What's this?

So I made reservations for three large rooms at the Hotel du Nord for us.

So Füsun…

Now you're ready to go to Paris.

[laughs]

[cm laughs]

What a stupid idea this is.

Is Europe closing its borders?

Oh, for God's sake! Get married, then go.

-Mother-- -And what's this driving nonsense?

It's all been arranged already.

Of course you want to travel with the girl you love. That's fine, but…

You tell me why Nesibe and Çetin are going?

Nesibe and Çetin.

Oh please.

And what about me?

Çetin goes…

and who will drive me around town then?

[laughs]

This summer you've only left the house in Suadiye twice.

Don't worry, we'll be back at the end of September.

I promise.

In October, Çetin will take you to Nişantaşı every day.

[blows air]

And Aunt Nesibe will find you a dress for the wedding, all right?

Ah! Silly thing.

As if I care about the dress.

[whimsical song playing]

[old Kemal] On August 27th, 1984,

at 12:15, the four of us set off.

[car horn honks]

I wanted to end this chapter of my life and start the next one.

[woman singing in French]

[car horn honking rapidly]

[children clamoring]

[honking continues]

[children clamoring]

[French song continues]

[kid] The engine, the engine!

[kid 2] I'm gonna have a red car!

I can carry those small bags, Mr. Çetin.

Oh, don't trouble yourself, Mrs. Nesibe. It's only a few steps.

[Nesibe laughing]

-I'm sorry to be a burden. -[Çetin] Not at all.

[Nesibe] Here we go.

[song ends]

-[children clamoring outside] -[kid] Aunt Nesibe, where are you going?

[Nesibe] We're going to Paris, dear ones. You, where's your mother?

-[kid 2] Aunt Nesibe! -[woman] Nesibe!

-[Nesibe] Hello! [woman] How are you?

-[Nesibe] Fine, honey. How are you? -[woman] Where are you going?

[Nesibe] A long way this time. Paris. All over.

[woman] Oh! Well have a safe trip. Say hi to Füsun for me.

[Nesibe] Thank you. I will.

[nostalgic music playing]

[footsteps approaching]

[music continues]

[old Kemal] A love story that ends happily rarely warrants more than a few sentences.

Perhaps that was the reason we fell silent as we sped away from Istanbul.

[music ends]

[horn honking]

[Nesibe tsks]

vehicle approaching]

[Nesibe tsks again]

Hey, kids?

What is it, Aunt Nesibe?

Please, let's pull over for the night.

Of course, Aunt Nesibe.

I'll look for a suitable hotel.

Mr. Çetin, let's slow down.

Yes, Mr. Kemal.

[old Kemal] All of a sudden, my heart began to beat wildly.

I felt that here, after nine years of longing,

-my dreams would finally come true. -[heartbeat thumping]

[barks]

[heartbeat continues]

We'll sleep here, Mr. Çetin.

[lively technopop song playing]

[tires screech]

[woman] ♪ If you want it ♪

♪ I'm gonna give it to you ♪

[old Kemal] Except for its name, the hotel was unpretentious and clean.

I booked three rooms for us.

[exhales]

As I lay in bed, staring at the ceiling…

I realized that sleeping next door to Füsun each night on this brief journey…

[old Kemal sighs heavily]

…was going to be even more difficult than it had been to endure the last nine years.

[music continues in background]

I entered the hotel's small dining room for dinner and saw

Füsun had changed into a dress that suited the surprise I had planned.

You look lovely in that dress, Füsun.

Thank you.

But in Paris it would look even nicer on her, no?

You'll ruin that dress if you wear it every night.

[Nesibe tsks]

Welcome, everyone.

Thank you, darling. [laughs]

[lighter clinks]

[delicate piano music playing]

[old Kemal] I was as tense as a young lover

who has happiness within reach, yet still fears it could escape him.

But when she blew her cigarette smoke sideways like a schoolgirl,

I knew Füsun was just as nervous.

What would you like?

Rakı, thank you.

[Nesibe] Hmm.

Mr. Çetin, why don't you have a drink with us so we can toast?

You won't have to drive me home after dinner.

-[laughing] -[Nesibe] Oh, Mr. Çetin.

You've been waiting long enough, haven't you?

-It's my duty, ma'am. -[Nesibe laughs] I think

that if you're really patient, there's no woman you can't win,

or mountain you can't climb. Right?

-[all laughing] -[romantic music swells]

Sure…

[old Kemal] The world was a beautiful place.

It was as if I was seeing it for the first time.

Now I knew I would spend the rest of my life

tracing the fine line of Füsun's body,

that I would fall asleep each night with my face buried in her neck,

breathing her in.

All I could think of were Füsun's beautiful breasts,

the strawberry-like nipples at their tips.

-[couple] Bonsoir. -[Çetin] Good evening.

[Nesibe] Good evening, darlings.

Mr. Kemal. We forgot to toast.

[Nesibe] Mmm!

-[all laughing] -That's true. Let's do it.

-All right, here! -Cheers. Yes, ma'am.

-[Çetin] Cheers. -[Nesibe sighs happily]

Actually, I think it's time we had a little ceremony.

-[romantic music plays in background] -[Nesibe] Ohh!

[Nesibe and Çetin laughing]

[laughing]

Dear Mr. Çetin.

Would you do us the honor of officiating?

[all laughing]

[Çetin] Yes, sir. After all, it's the right thing to do.

You can't get married without being engaged.

-Would you please present your hands? -[Nesibe laughing]

This signifies your commitment.

You're going to be very happy. I know it.

-Other hand, Mr. Kemal. -Oh.

[all laughing]

[man laughing]

[people cheering and applauding]

[cheering and applause continue]

[romantic song playing in background]

[song continues]

Does it fit, darling?

Uh-huh.

It's lovely on you.

Yes.

[woman] Go on! Dance, dance! Yes!

[man] Oh, you've got to dance.

[patrons encouraging and applauding]

Engagement dance?

[encouraging and applause continue]

[song continues]

[both laughing]

[in Turkish] ♪ If separation struck us Out of the blue ♪

♪ Just one day with you Would be enough for me ♪

♪ Even this rain, even the snow Is beautiful with you ♪

♪ Even the traces of tears on my face ♪

♪ Even those ♪

♪ Even those ♪

[clapping and cheering]

[woman] Bravo!

[cheering and applause continue]

[man] Very good!

I should get to sleep. I have to look at the engine in the morning.

I'm going to bed too. Come on. Let's go.

We'll set off early, okay?

Can I have the car keys, Mr. Çetin?

Mr. Kemal, we all drank a lot tonight.

Come now. Don't… Don't get behind the wheel.

My luggage is in the trunk. I just need my book.

[Füsun] Mom, will you give me the key to the room?

Don't worry, honey. I'll leave it unlocked for you.

I'll come get it in a minute, okay?

No need to rush now, right?

I'll leave it in the lock on the inside of the door.

You stay out as long as you want.

Okay then. [laughs]

-Bonsoir. -Bonsoir.

-Bonsoir! -Goodnight.

[couple chattering in French]

[lighter clinks open]

You're going upstairs to read?

[laughs]

Not tonight.

I'm thinking we'd go for a drive together.

[exhales] We've had too much to drink, we can't.

We could just sit together.

[Füsun] Go upstairs and read.

Are you afraid I'll wreck the car?

-I'm not afraid. -Hmm? Then let's go for a ride.

Get off the beaten path… Let's go get lost.

No. We both need rest. I'm going up.

You're leaving me alone on the night of our engagement?

No. I'll stay a bit longer.

Actually it's really nice to just sit here.

[song playing in background]

[woman] ♪ I couldn't reach ♪

♪ Drifting in the sky When we're falling from dreams ♪

♪ Never say goodbye ♪

♪ Failing when we try ♪

♪ I see it in your eyes ♪

♪ Secret eyes still looking ♪

♪ Chasing you in the twilight ♪

♪ You sleep like falling leaves ♪

♪ You spoke and tightened it all ♪

♪ The way my heart believes ♪

[lighter clinks, flint scrapes]

Will you dance with me?

No.

No?

I don't want to right now.

I'm happy to just sit here.

Oh.

The French are gone.

Soon they'll be closing the restaurant.

Shall we go, my darling?

Hm?

[chair scrapes]

♪ You were a kite I couldn't reach ♪

♪ Drifting in the sky When we're falling from dreams ♪

♪ Never say goodbye ♪

♪ Failing when we try ♪

♪ I see it in your eyes ♪

♪ Secret eyes still looking ♪

Your room is that way.

I'm escorting you to yours.

No. Go to yours.

[sighs] You're making me sad.

You don't trust me.

How are we going to spend our lives together?

I don't know.

See you tomorrow.

[Füsun gasps]

[Kemal] This was a beautiful night.

[Füsun exhales]

[breathing shakily]

I'm so happy.

And every single day is going to be happy just like this one.

Believe me.

[laughs quietly]

Let's go to my room.

[Kemal moans]

-Please, let's go to my room. -Shh.

-[man coughing] -[Füsun gasps]

[sighs]

[coughing continues]

[Kemal groans quietly]

[keys jingling]

[door unlocking]

[vehicle passing]

[quiet knocking on door]

[door unlocks]

[breathing heavily]

I guess Mom locked me out.

-[soft waltz playing] -[Füsun giggles]

-[Füsun breathing heavily] -[vehicles passing]

[music intensifies]

[thunder crashing]

[kissing]

[kissing]

[thunder crashes]

[thunder rumbling]

[music ends]

[exhales]

You looked so peaceful.

-[Kemal laughs] -[thunder crashes]

How long was I asleep?

I don't know. The thunder woke me up just now.

Were you afraid?

[laughs] No.

[Kemal laughs]

I wasn't.

[Kemal laughs quietly]

Soon it'll start raining.

[kisses]

[vehicle passing]

[slow, emotional music playing]

[rain pattering]

[thunder rumbles]

[music continues]

[thunder rumbles]

-[music ends] -[Kemal groans]

[birds chirping]

[moans]

[cigarette pack rustling]

[crow cawing]

[distant thunder rumbling]

[gentle piano music playing]

[ambient insect sounds]

Good morning, my love.

I saw a bottle of this when I was getting water.

Why wouldn't we drink on the most beautiful morning in the world?

[both laughing]

It'll be a hot day. We'll sleep in the car.

Is this seat taken, young lady?

I'm not young anymore, Kemal.

[melancholy music playing]

[music continues]

[vehicle approaching]

Ah.

[both laughing]

[dog whimpers]

He sure likes you.

He barked at us when we came in.

You had that dog figurine on the TV that looked just like him, remember?

The one you stole from us?

It wasn't stealing.

Your mother, your father, all of you knew after a year.

What did they say?

Nothing.

It bothered my father.

And Mom would simply ignore it.

I just wanted to be a movie star.

[tense music playing]

You will.

Kemal, don't give me that. I know you don't believe it.

What?

It makes me crazy how you lie to everyone around you like it's nothing.

I'm not lying to you.

[sniffles]

[crying softly]

[breathes shakily]

Kemal, just stop. We both know you won't help me do it.

Because now you don't have anything to gain by it.

Hey… if you really want it, it'll happen.

[scoffs]

It's been what I really wanted and all I really wanted for years now.

Don't lie, Kemal.

[dog barking]

[Kemal] He looks just like that figurine.

-[dog whimpers] -[Kemal laughs]

His black ears, his little face.

[laughing quietly]

[dog whimpers]

What happened to those old figurines, necklaces, cigarettes…

Salt shakers? All that.

[dog whines]

They gave me comfort.

I keep everything in the Merhamet building.

I can show you the whole collection.

[Füsun laughs]

I wouldn't be ashamed with you.

I promise I'll show you when we're back home.

Is that where I belong?

Füsun.

Don't be like this.

[laughs]

Why not?

Last night you tricked me.

You took me without marrying me, you took possession of me.

And now you won't marry me. That's not who you are.

[laughs]

True.

The one and only thing I've been wanting all these years.

So why should I marry you?

[sinister music playing]

[whispers] I would murder you if I could.

You know you're the only one I love in this world, Füsun.

[music ends]

[uneasy music playing]

[whines]

[music intensifies]

[music ends]

[Kemal] Come on, darling, get in. We should head back.

Füsun.

We have a long drive today, my love.

I'm not coming. You can go.

Füsun, darling.

Look around us.

The world is so full of beautiful things.

Why poison our lives with fights and anger?

You don't know what I went through. At all!

You won't talk to me!

I couldn't do anything because you stopped me, Kemal.

I wanted to act, but you stood in my way.

I'm sorry. I'm sorry! Sorry, Füsun!

What do you mean, "Sorry, Füsun"?

You and Feridun did everything to stop me

from having a shot in the movies, you know it!

You wanted to be like Papatya or another one of those drunk women at Pelür,

is that it?

We're drunk all the time now too.

I would never have turned out like those women.

[crying]

But you two were so jealous you kept me alone in a cage.

[Kemal] And you were afraid to go anywhere without a powerful man by your side!

[restless tones playing]

What?

Get in, please.

Get in.

There's a wonderful life ahead of us.

Come on, darling. We'll argue about it over drinks tonight.

[breathing heavily]

On one condition.

Let me drive the car.

Bulgarian traffic cops are even stricter than ours.

There are a lot of checkpoints…

No.

I mean the hotel. I want to drive us back, Kemal.

[pulls brake]

Go ahead.

[foreboding notes playing]

[notes turn sinister]

[music stops]

[Füsun exhales]

[mechanism clicks]

[engine starts]

[Füsun grunts]

[gear shifts]

[engine stalls]

Don't forget the clutch.

Try again.

[emotional music playing]

I believe in you.

[engine roars]

[tires squealing]

[quiet, dramatic music playing]

You didn't even notice my earring.

What earring, my love?

Slow down a bit, Füsun.

What earring do you mean?

On my ear.

You told me you never found the earring.

[engine accelerating]

Füsun, please slow down.

-We're not in a hurry. -[switching gears]

We're not in a hurry.

Füsun, please slow down a bit, don't drive so fast on this road.

[switching gears]

What are you doing?

Füsun, what are you doing? You need to slow down.

Füsun, slow down. Füsun?

-Honk the horn. Hit the brakes! -[horn honking]

Honk the horn!

[yelling] Watch out!

-[old Kemal] I yelled… -[screams]

…as if Füsun couldn't also see what was about to happen.

At 105 kilometers an hour,

she drove straight into a 105-year-old plane tree.

[calm music plays]

Wherever we were going, we were going together.

We had missed out on happiness in this life.

When she realized we were about to die,

she looked at me, her eyes begging me to save her.

I simply smiled,

glad to be embarking on one final journey with the love of my life.

["Caruso" by Pavarotti playing]

[crashing]

[song continues]

[dog barks]

[barking]

["Caruso" continues]

["Caruso continues]

[song ends]